Every company will have a physical first aider but what about a mental health first aider? Mental health has become very prevalent within the workplace with some feeling like they cannot talk about the subject, they won’t be supported or they will be seen differently.
Did you know that:
- Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year [1]
- In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week [2]
- In England, women are more likely than men to have a common mental health problem and are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders [3]
- 1 in 6.8 people are experiencing mental health problems in the workplace [4]
- Evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions [5]
- UK business can save £8 billion per year by implementing better mental wellbeing support in the workplace [6]
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is the mental health equivalent of physical first aid. This training is an internationally recognised and accredited two-day course developed by Mental Health First Aid England. It is designed to raise the awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Attending a Mental Health First Aid course will provide individuals with:
- The practical skills, knowledge and confidence to recognise the symptoms of mental health issues
- Effectively support anyone experiencing mental distress
- Provide information on how to guide those experiencing problems towards seeking appropriate professional help
Why should your company have a Mental Health First Aider?
Mental health is a growing concern as indicated above by Mind, the leading mental health charity, that one in four of us are likely to experience a mental health problem each year which is likely to impact on our ability to work. Mental ill health is the single largest cause of disability in the UK, with the cost of mental illness to the economy estimated at around £105 billion annually (Department of Health). This includes direct costs of services, lost productivity at work and reduced quality of life.
What does the course cover?
The two-day course is divided into four specific sections covering:
- Mental Health First Aid, mental health and depression
- Depression and suicidal crisis
- Anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorder and self-harm
- Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Where can you find a Mental Health First Aid course?
Your Wellness Hub provides Mental Health First Aid Training to arm employees with the skills and confidence to recognise and support anyone dealing with mental stress.
What is Your Wellness Hub? It is a one-stop shop dedicated to providing companies of any size with a wide variety of wellness solutions. Whether your company is just starting out on its health and wellness journey, or you are best in class and seeking ways to improve, Your Wellness Hub will help you deliver an exciting and effective strategy by offering a wide range of wellness solutions that will encourage your employees to Life Fit, Work Fit and Think Fit.
If you are interested in Mental Health First Aid Training, please contact Your Wellness Hub on [email protected] or visit the website www.yourwellnesshub.co.uk.
References
[3] Mental Health Foundation – Mental health statistics: men and women https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-men-and-women
[4] Mental Health Foundation – Mental health statistics: mental health at work https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-mental-health-work
[5] Mental Health Foundation – Mental health statistics: mental health at work https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-mental-health-work
[6] Mental Health Foundation – Mental health statistics: mental health at work